In most T-bone car accidents, the driver who failed to yield the right-of-way is the one at fault. Proving this failure involves a detailed investigation of traffic laws, physical evidence, and witness accounts.
A car accident lawyer examines these factors to build a case that shows exactly how the collision occurred and who holds liability in broadside crashes.
Key Takeaways for Who's at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?
- A complete analysis of liability requires looking beyond the police report to uncover all contributing factors.
- Physical evidence from the crash scene, such as vehicle damage and skid marks, provides objective clues about each driver's actions.
- Statements from credible witnesses and footage from nearby traffic or security cameras may offer unbiased proof of negligence.
Establishing Negligence in Maryland T-Bone Crashes
Every driver on a Maryland road has a duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care to avoid harming others. When a driver breaches this duty through a careless or reckless action, and that action causes an accident, they’re considered negligent.
A successful personal injury claim demonstrates how another driver’s negligence directly led to your injuries and other losses. In the context of a T-bone accident, negligence often centers on traffic-control violations.
Common Right-Of-Way Violations
Most T-bone accidents happen at intersections, where right-of-way rules are most important for maintaining safe traffic flow. A driver who runs a red light on a major Baltimore road, like Fayette Street, or ignores a stop sign in a residential neighborhood creates a high-risk situation.
These actions directly violate traffic laws and represent a clear breach of a driver’s duty of care. Investigators and lawyers review traffic light sequences, cross-reference witness statements, and search for video footage to prove that a driver disregarded a traffic signal.
The Challenge of Left-Turn Accidents
Determining fault in a side-impact collision involving a left turn can be more complex. A driver turning left generally has a duty to yield to oncoming traffic. However, this doesn't automatically place them at fault.
The oncoming driver may also bear some or all of the responsibility. For example, if the oncoming vehicle was speeding, ran a red light, or wasn’t visible, the driver making the turn might not be negligent.
An investigation into a left-turn collision analyzes the speed of both vehicles, the color of the traffic lights, and any obstructions to the line of sight for each driver.
Evidence That Shows Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident
You need strong evidence to show an insurer or court what happened. A personal injury lawyer gathers and preserves information to build a clear picture of liability.
Helpful pieces of evidence may include:
- Police Report: This report contains the responding officer's initial observations, driver and witness information, a diagram of the scene, and any traffic citations issued.
- Photographs and Videos: Pictures of the vehicle damage, debris on the road, skid marks, and the overall intersection provide valuable context for the collision.
- Witness Statements: Independent third-party witnesses who saw the accident can offer an objective account of events that supports your claim.
- Black Box Data: Many modern vehicles contain an event data recorder (EDR), or black box, that records data like speed, braking, and steering moments before a crash.
- Traffic and Surveillance Camera Footage: Canvassing nearby businesses and traffic cameras can uncover video evidence of the crash as it happened.
How a Lawyer Helps Show Who's at Fault in a Side-Impact Car Crash
A personal injury lawyer works for you and protects your interests at every stage. They manage the entire claims process so that you can focus on your recovery.
Here are several key services attorneys provide that protect your claim:
- Conducting an Investigation: Your lawyer investigates your wreck to find all evidence that supports your case. This includes tracking down witnesses, securing video footage, and subpoenaing records.
- Communicating With Insurers: Your attorney handles all communication with the insurance company, preventing you from facing tricky questions or being pressured into an unfair settlement.
- Valuing Your Damages: Your lawyer meticulously documents your losses, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. They use their experience to value the non-economic impact of the injuries on your life, such as pain and suffering.
- Fighting for Compensation: Your lawyer negotiates with the insurance company to reach a settlement that covers the full extent of your losses. If the insurer refuses a fair offer, your attorney can take your case to the courtroom and litigate before a judge.
FAQ for Who's at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?
What Happens if Both Drivers Blame Each Other?
When drivers dispute fault, the decision comes down to the evidence. An investigation uses police reports, witness interviews, vehicle damage analysis, and any available camera footage to build a factual case. In complex cases, a reconstruction expert may be used to show how the collision unfolded.
Should I Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident?
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance adjuster without first speaking to a car accident lawyer. Adjusters tend to ask questions in a way that protects their company's interests by eliciting answers that hurt your claim.
Your attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company to protect your rights.
Can a Passenger Be Found at Fault for a T-Bone Car Accident?
Passengers are very rarely found at fault for causing any kind of car accident. An exception might occur if the passenger did something to intentionally distract or interfere with the driver, such as grabbing the steering wheel. In most T-bone collisions, liability rests with one or both of the drivers.
Get a Fighter on Your Side
Don't let an insurance adjuster decide your future after a serious T-bone collision. You have the right to an independent investigation presenting your case's true facts. Let an experienced legal team fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Furman Honick Law today at (410) 406-7890 for a compassionate and confidential consultation. Our experienced lawyers are ready to fight for you.
Dustin Furman
Founding Partner
Dustin Furman is a founding partner of the firm and has tried hundreds of cases, recovering tens of millions of dollars for his clients. Dustin’s journey to becoming a trial attorney started back in high school, where he worked for a premier medical malpractice firm. Dustin then graduated college early and started law school at just 20 years old. As a result, Dustin was the youngest graduate in his class at 23 years old.
Author's Bio